Analyzer and sampling system



Oct. 13, 1959 origina Filed July 17. Y1952 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 MASTER TMER ,56 l D 50 @n/- t 30 /n srREAMA/o. l

(5mi-wa [sa STREAM No. r

Il r FIG.

IN V EN TOR.

J. R. PARSONS ATTORNEYS 0ct. 13, 1959 J. R. PARsoNs 2,908,820

ANALYZER AND SAMPLING SYSTEM Original Filed July 17. `1952 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 J. R. PARSONS lm912912- AND SAMPLING SYSTEM oct. 13, 1959 4 Sheets-Sheet l3 Original Filed Jly 17. 1952 QSI INVENTOR.

J. PAI/IKSOMS` ATTORNEYS VQt. v*13, 1959 I J. R'. PARsoNs ANALYZER AND SAMPLING SYSTEM Original Filed Juiy 17. 1952 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INN n n 2,908,820 l ANALYzER AND SAMPLING SYSTEM James R. Parsons, Bartlesville, Okla., assignor to Phillips Petroleum Qompany, a corporation of Delaware 8 Claims. (Cl. Z50-43.5)

This invention relates to apparatus for analyzing fluid streams and to a sample inlet control system for use with a multi-stream analyzer.

This application is a division of my copending l'application, Serial No. 299,515, filed July l7, 1952, now U.S. Patent No. 2,833,928, granted May 6, 1958.

Analysis instruments recently have been developed which `are based upon the principle that heteratomic molecules, i.e. those molecules containing more than one kind of element, have the property at room temperature or thereabout of absorbing light energy in the infrared spectrum at only certain wave lengths which are characteristic of the molecule under consideration. A relatively simple analyzer can be provided by directing two beams of infrared radiation from a common source through a comrnon sample cell to strike suitable radiation detectors. By placing a pure sample of the substance whose presence is being determined in a filter cell disposed in one beam of the radiation, any difference inintensity of the two beams impinging upon the respective detectors is indicative of the concentration of that particular sample material in the stream under test. Analyzers of this type are of particular value in the petroleum and chemical industries for recording and control purposes wherein the continuous analysis of a particular component or components of a iluidstream is required.v

It has been found, however, that the various. commercially available infrared analyzers fail tol give the accuracy needed for precise control operations. One particular difliculty is -a definite and noticeable drift caused by factors such as variations in temperature of the air, aging of circuit components, and fogging of the windows through which the radiation is admitted to the sample cell, These factors all tend to produce changes in the recorded analysis which are independent of variations in the composition of the stream under test. A further difficulty ICC -Various other objects, advantages, and features of this invention will become |apparent from the following detailed descriptiontaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1, is a schematic view of the valve system for passing a plurality of sample streams sequentially to the analyzer unit;

Figure 2 is a schematic view of the valve control tim= ing and sample stream marking apparatus;

Figure 3 is a schematic view of the infrared analyzer and recorder; and

Figure 4 is a schematic circuit diagram of the amplifier employed in Figure 3.

Referring to the drawing in detail and to Figure 1 in particular, `there is shown a source 10 of infrared or other suitable'radiation from which two beams are directed against a pair of concave rellectors 12 and 13. From reflectors 12 and 13 the respective radiation beams are reflected and passed through a pair of cellsl 14 and 1S, and through a common cell 16 to a pair of radiation sensitive elements 18 and 19, such as bolometers, thermistors, or the like. VThe various cells are provided with windows 21 which are transparent to the radiation employed. In the case of infrared radiation, windows 21 can be formed of a halide such as silver chloride, calciumuoride, sodium fluoride, or from quartz. Cell 14, which can be formed from Pyrex glass, spinel, or quartz, preferably is filled with a pure material or mixture of materials having a principal radiation absorption band at `th'e same Iwave length as the principal absorption band of the material or component to be measured in the test stream, while like constructed cell 15 contains air or other susbtance transparent to the radiation, or cell 15 can contain a gas whose absorption bands are such as to reduce interference from other components. The lluid under test is admitted to sample cell 16 by a conduit 22 land leaves the cell through a conduit 23.

is that the amplifiers employed to amplify the unbalance bridge signal do not possess the sensitivity neededfor accurate analysis. l

In accordance with the present invention there is provided an improved analysis instrument which employs valve control and stream marking means to pass sequentially a plurality of sample fluids to an analyzer. By this procedure, a single analyzer can be employed to analyze several similar processes. ln addition, means are provided for rebalancing in an automatic manner the electrical bridge circuit to compensate for variations in ambient temperature and other factors likely to cause error. The stream switching means provides a pulse each time a stream is switched. This pulse can be applied to a recorder which is actuated by the analyzer so as to provide a record of the stream transition.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a precision analysis instrument adapted to measure the composition of a plurality of sample streams.

Another object is to provide sample inlet and stream marking means for use with analytical instruments.

The beams of radiation incident upon elements 18, 19 produce temperature changes which in turn var y the electrical resistances of the elements. With the apparatus arranged as illustrated, any differential in resistance between the two elements is indicative ofthe amount or percentage of the desired pure material or component in the mixture passing through the ysample cell, provided this pure material or component has aA principal absorption band at the samel wave length as the uid in cell 14.V The apparatus for producing ,an impedance derential betweenV `two elements, which differential is proportional to the percentageiof the component under test, is, however, well known uin the art and forms no part of the present invention. Furthermore, other typesof radiation, such as monochromatic light or ultraviolet radiation can be employed in like manner so long as anv impedance change is produced in the radiation sensitive elements by variations in the composition off the test Sample.

Forpurposes of illustration it will be assumed that the analyzer is to be employed to measure sequentially the percentage of a given component in ve sample streams. These are designated as streams 1-5 and enter the analyzer system through respective inlet conduits 23-27.V Conduits 23-27 communicate with the inlets of respective solenoid operated valves 30-34. Valves 30-34 are provided with respective first outlet conduits 37-41 which communicate rwith cell inlet conduit 22, and with respective second outlet conduits 43-47. These latter conduits communicate with a common conduit 49 for venting those sample streams not being passed to sample cell 16 at any given time. Valves 30-34 are actuated by solenoid coils 50-54, respectively, which in turn are energized through 'a master timer 56 as illustrated in greater detail in Figure 2. Valves 30-34 are biased such that in the absenceof energizing current being applied through coils 50-5-4, inlet conduits 23-27 communicate directly with respective venting outlet conduits 43-47. The application of energizing current to the solenoidcoil associated with any of valves 30-34 serves to actuate that particular valve such that the inlet fluid stream applied thereto passes directly into conduit 22 instead of conduit 49. As illustrated, energizing current is being applied to solenoid coil 50 to pass sample stream No. 1 into cell 16, the remaining streams 2-5 being passed t0 venting conduit 49.

In order to compensate for factors such as temperature changes and aging of the circuit components, means are provided for standardizing the apparatus periodically. To this end, a standard stream S is admitted to the analyzer unit through inlet conduit 57. ConduitI 57 communicates through a solenoid operated valve 58 with conduit 59, which in turn is connected to common inlet conduit 22 of cell 16. Valve 58 is operated by a solenoid coil 60, which also is energized through master timer 56. Valve 58 normally remains closed, but is opened periodically to pass the standardizing Huid into cell 16.

Master timer 56 is illustrated in greater detail in Figure 2. This timer, as well as the entire analyzer, is energized from a source of alternating voltage 63 having one terminal connected to a lead 64 and the other terminal connected to a lead 65 through a lead 66, terminal a, switch 68 (see Figure 3), terminal b, and lead 69. Terminal a and other terminals designated by small letters are provided `throughout the drawing to illustrate interconnection between the various figures. Master timer 56 comprises six cams 71-76 mounted for rotation about a common shaft 78. These cams sequentially engage respective contact arms of switches A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, and A5, which can be of the `type disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 1,960,020, to supply energizing current to as` sociated solenoid coils 50-54 and v60. Cam shaft 78 is rotated by a motor 79 connected thereto through reduction gearing 80. Motor 79 is connected across voltage leads 64 and 65 by leads 81 and 82, respectively.

A source of direct current voltage for energizing solenoid coils 50-54 and 60 is provided by a rectifier 83 having one terminal connected to lead 65 and the other terminal connected through a capacitor 84 to lead 64. A lead 85, connected to the junction between rectifier 83 and capacitor 84, is applied to the contact arms of switches A1, A5 and A5. The contact arms of switches the particular sample stream being supplied to the analyzer at any given time. To this end, a novel stream indicating system is employed whereby a marked rotatable disk 99 constructed of an electrically conductive matelial is positioned in front of a small transparent window, not shown, in the explosion-proof housing. Disk 99 thus is rotated in accordance with the particular stream entering the analyzer and a corresponding number marked thereon appears before the transparent window. A series of six relays 90-95 are connected with the coils thereof being connected in parallel with respective solenoid coils 50- 54 and 60. A second source of direct voltage for rotating disk 99 is provided by a rectifier 96 and condenser 97 connected in series between leads 65 and 64. A lead 98, connected to the junction between rectifier 96 and capacitor 97, is connected to the armature of each of relays 90-95. The non-energized position terminals of relays 90-95 are connected by respective leads 100-105 to respective brushes 107-112 which make contact with the edge of disk 99. Disk 99 is provided with a depression 113 in the periphery thereof such that when this depression 113 is opposite any one of the brushes 107-112, electrical contact between disk 99 and that particular brush is broken. A lead 114 is connected to a brush 115, which makes continuous contact with disk 99, and to one end terminal of a solenoid coil 116 which actuates a pawl 117 to turn a ratchet wheel 119. The second end terminal of solenoid coil 116 is connected by a lead 120 to lead 64.

Closure of any of contact sets A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, or A5 results in current flow through the respective relay coil 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, or 95. As illustrated, Contact set A1 is closed by cam 71 which results in sample A2, A5 and As are connected to a lead 86 which is connected to voltage lead 64. First end terminals of solenoid coils -54 and 60 are connected to lower contacts of respective switches A1, A2, A2, A4, A5 and As such that said first end terminals are in contact with the respective contact arms of the switches at such times as the raised portions of the respective cams are in contact therewith. The second end terminals of solenoid coils 50-54 and 60 are connected 4to upper contacts of respective switches As, A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5 such that said second end terminals are in contact with the respective contact arms ofthe switches at such times as the raised portions of the respective cams are not in contact therewith. The raised portions of cams 71-76 are spaced with respect to one another such that substantially only one such raised portion engages a respective contact arm at any given time. However, the cams are constructed such that each cam raised portion engages its respective contact arm approximately 1750 revolution before the preceding cam raised portion disengages its respective contact arm. This cocking action insures that at least one solenoid coil is energized at all times.

Because of the inherent explosive danger in the vicinity of petroleum and chemical processing apparatus to which the analyzer of this invention is particularly applicable, the electrical components normally are enclosed within an explosion-proof housing. Accordingly, it is desirable that means be provided for indicating visually stream No. 1 flowing through cell 16 of the analyzer. Closure of contact set A1 also passes energizing current through the coil of relay 90, thereby connecting leads 98 and 100. At this initial position, depression 113 in disk 99 is opposite brush 107, and numeral 1 on disk 99 is opposite the viewing window. At the second position of switch 56, cam 72 is rotated to close contact set A2 and cam 71 is rotated to open contact set A1. Closure of contact set A2 results in lead 98 being connected to lead 101. Because brush 108 then is in electrical contact with disk 99, a circuit path is completed from lead 98 through brush 108, brush 115, lead 114, and coil 116 to lead 120. The passage of current through solenoid coil 116 results in a downward movement of pawl 117 so as to rotate ratchet wheel 119 in a counterclockwise direction. Ratchet wheel 119 and disk 99 are connected to a common shaft 121 such that rotation of ratchet wheel 119 rotates disk 99, thereby moving depression 113 opposite brush 108 to break electrical contact between disk '99 and brush 108. At this point, numeral 2 on disk 99 has rotated to a position in front of the viewing window to indicate that stream No. 2 is being passed into cell 16.

The output electrical signal from the analyzer unit normally is applied to a conventional recording instrument. Consequently, it is desirable that an indication be made of the time at which the analyzer is switched from one stream to another. This is accomplished by means of a second rotatable disk 122 constructed of an electrically conductive material and having a key 123 protruding from the edge thereof. Disk 122 also is mounted on a shaft 121 with ratchet wheel 119 and disk 99, and has a brush 133 in continuous contact therewith, said brush 133 being connected by a lead 134 to lead 98. A series of six brushes -130 are spaced symmetrically about the periphery of disk 122, but not in contact therewith. Brushes 125-130 each are connected to a common lead 132, which in turn is connected by a lead 135 and resistor 136 to one end terminal of the coil of a relay 137, the second end terminal of relay 137 being connected by a lead 138 to lead 120. A capacitor 139 is connected in shunt across resistor 136 and the 4coil of relay 137. AsA illustrated, key 123 normally assumes a position between two of .the'adjacent brushes surrounding disk' 122. However, rotationof ratchet wheel 119 during the'transition from one stream to another rotates disk 122 such that key 123 passes by and makescontact with an adjacent brush. During the transition from stream No. 1 to stream No. 2, the contact of key 123 with brush 125 completes a circuit between leads 134 and 120 through the coil of relay 137. Actuation of relay 137 closes the armature thereof to connect one end of a lead141 to ground. The other end of lead 141 is connected to a recording instrument 142 shown in Figure 3.

A voltage regulator 148 is employed to provide a regulated Voltage for energizing the electrical circuit of the analyzer unit. The input terminals of voltage regulator 148 are connected to source 63 by leads 149 and 150, and the output regulated voltage is applied across leads 151 and 152.

In Figure 3, radiation source is yillustrated as being connected across the secondarywinding of a transformer 153. The primary winding of transformer 153 is connected across leads 151 and 152 through a ballast resistor 154 and a switch 155. A variable resistor 156 is connected in shunt with the primary vwinding of transformer 153. Thus, a constant voltage is maintained lacross source 10. The regulated voltage between leads 151 and 152 also is connected across opposite terminals 160 and 161 of the Wheatstone bridge circuit through a'transformer 162. Both the primary and secondary windings of transformer 162 are provided with shields 163 and 164, respectively, which are connected to a ground terminal as is the contactor of a potentiometer 167, the end terminals of potentiometer 167 being connected to leads 165 and 166 which in turn connect the secondary winding of transformer 162 with respective bridge terminals 160 and 161. Leads 165 and 166 also are provided with respective grounded shields 169 and 170.

Radiation sensitive elements 18, 19 are connected in a Wheatstone bridge circuit withlbalancing resistors 172 and 173 such that vvoltage terminal 160 is between element 18 and resistor 172, and voltage terminal 161 is between element. 19 and resistor 173. A resistor 175 is connected between elements 18, 19, and a resistor 176 is connected between resistors 172 and 173. Resistor 175 is shunted by a unit including a variable resistor 177, `a potentiometer 178, and a variable resistor 179, all connected in series. A potentiometer 181 has one end terminal thereof connected to the junction between resistors-175 and 177 and the other end 'terminal thereof connected to the junction between resistors 175 and 179. `Resistor 176 is shunted by a unit including a .variable resistor 182, a potentiometer .183, and a variable resistor 184, all connected in series. Y

When alternating potential is applied across terminals 160 and- 161 of the bridge circuit, potentiometers 178 and 183 can be adjusted such that there is a zero potential dierencetherebetween; and similarly, potentiometers 181 and 183 can be adjusted such that there is a zero potential therebetween. The bridge then is balanced'so far as the contact arms of these potentiometers are concerned. Variable resistors 182 and `184 are connected to a common control shaft in such manner that rotation of the shaft increases the ohmic value of oner of these resistors and decreases the ohmic value of the other. Thus, ganged resistors 182, 184 can be used as an auxiliary bridge balance control because rotation of the shaft increases the resistance on one side of potentiometer 183 and decreases the resistance on the other side of potentiometer 183. Variable resistors 177 and 179V also are connected to a common control shaft. Adjustment of this latter shaft, however, either increases or decreases the ohmic value of both resistors simultaneously, thereby affording adjustment of the sensitivity ofthe bridge circuit. For

example, when the resistance of units 177, 179 yis high, full scale movement of potentiometer 178 produces only a small variation inthe balance point of the bridge due to the relatively large series resistance in circuit therewith. When the resistance of units 177, 179 Vis small, adjustment of potentiometer 178 covers a wide range of balancing conditions because the series resistance in circuit therewith is relatively small.

The contactor of potentiometer 183 is connected to one input terminal h of an amplier 185 by means of a lead 386, the latter being enclosed in a grounded shield 387. The other input terminal i of amplifier 185 is connected by a lead 388 to the armature of a relay 389. Lead 388 is enclosed in a grounded shield 180. In the absence of energizing current passing through the coil of relay 389, the armature of relay 389V makes contact with a lead `390 which connects the contactor of potentiometer 178 to ampliiier linput lead 388. When energizing current passes through the coil of relay 389, the armature of relay 389 makes contact `with a leadY 391 which is connected to the contactor of potentiometer 181.

The output signal from amplifier 185 selectively energizes a pair of motors 186 and 187, the output rotations of which are Ycoupled mechanicallyto the respective contactors of potentiometers`183 and 178. vTo this end, one output terminal m of amplifier 185 is connected by a lead 188 to one terminal of each of said motors 186 and 187, and a second output terminal l is connected by leads 189 and 190 to rst terminals of respective contact sets S1 and S3 of aV sequence timer cam operated switch 350. Leads 188 and 189 are coupled by a capacitor 200.

. Switch 350 includes four contact sets S1, S2, S3, and S4 actuated by respective cams 193-196. These cams are mounted on a common shaft 197 which is rotated by a motor 192 connected thereto through reduction gearing 199. Motor 192 is ,energized from voltage source 63 through a first lead 66 and through a second lead 343 which is connected to lead 149 through contact set S4 and a lead 238. A pilot light 209 is connected between terminal b and lead 343. The second terminal of contact set S1 is connected to a terminal of motor 186 by a lead 201, and the second terminal of contact set S3 is connected to a terminal of motor 187 by a lead 202. The terminals of contact set S2 are connected, respectively, to one end terminal of the coil of relay 389 and to the output terminal o of amplifier unit 185.

Both motors 186 and 187 are two-phase :induction motors. Motor 186 is provided with a first winding 204 connected across power leads 151, 152 in series with a capacitor 206 and with a second winding 191 connected across leads 188, 201. Motor 187 is provided with a. iirst winding 205 connected across power leads 151, 152 in series with a capacitor 207 and with a second winding 192 connected across leads 188, 202. When contact set S1 is closed, the output of amplifier 185 is applied to motor 186; and when contact set S3 is closed, the output of ampliiier is applied to motor 187. As more fully described hereinafter, the output of amplier 185 is such that motors 186 and 187 are rotated in one direction when the signal from the bridge indicates an unbalance in one direction and are rotated in the opposite direction when the bridge is unbalanced in the opposite manner.

Amplifier 185 and the power supply circuit associated therewith :is illustrated in detail in Figure 4. The alternating voltage from regulator 148 is applied by leads 151, 152 and leads 210, 211 to the primary windings of transformers 212 and 213. A rst secondary winding 215 of transformer 212 is connected across opposite terminalsV of a full wave rectifier bridge 216. Leads 217 and 218 are connected across the remaining pair of opposite terminals of bridge 216 to deliver a source of direct voltage to the heaters, not shown, of double triode tube 221 in amplier 185. Filter capacitors 219 and 343 are connected between leads 217 and 218, and a resistor 344 is connected in series with lead 217. The end terminals of'a second secondary winding 223 of transformer 212 are applied to the filament heater of a double rectifier tuber224, and a center-tap of1winding 223 is connected t the common cathode of rectifier 224. The end terminals of a third secondary Winding 226 of transformer 212 are connected to the respective anodes of double rectier 224, and a center tap of winding 226 is grounded. Tube 224 thus functions as a full wave rectifier, the common cathode of which is connected to ground through series connected filter inductors 228, 229 and resistors 230, 231 and 232. A first filter capacitor 233 is connected between the cathode of tube 224 and ground; a second filter capacitor 234 is connected between the junction of inductors 228, 229 and ground; and the third filter capacitor 235 is connected between ground and the common junction of inductor 229, resistor 230. A voltage regulating diode 236 has its anode connected between the junction of resistors 230, 231 and its cathode connected to ground. The positive potential appearing at the junction between inductor 229, resistor 230 is applied by a lead 237 to form the B+ voltage supply of amplifier 185. The junction between inductor 229 and resistor 230 also is connected to terminal o through a resistor 338. A fourth secondary winding 238 of transformer 212, having its center terminal grounded, supplies heater current to the filaments of double triodes 239 and 238 of amplifier 185.

The input signal to amplifier 185 is :applied across the end terminals of the primary winding of a transformer 240. One end terminal of the secondary winding of transformer 240 is connected to ground, and the second end terminal of said secondary transformer winding is connected by a lead 241 to the control grid of a triode vacuum tube 242. The anode of tube 242 is connected through series resistors 243, 244, 245 to the B+ voltage terminal. The cathode of tube 242 is connected to ground through a resistor 247 having a capacitor 248 connected in shunt therewith. The anode of tube 242 also is connected to the control grid of a triode vacuum tube 250 through a capacitor 251. The control grid of tube 250 is connected to ground through a resistor 252, and the cathode of tube 250 is connected to ground through a resistor 253, the latter having a capacitor 254 connected in shunt therewith. The anode of tube 250 is connected through series resistors 256, 244, and 245 to the B+ voltage terminal, and also through a capacitor 258 to the control grid of a triode vacuum tube 260. The cathode of tube 260 is connected to ground through a resistor 261 and the control grid of triode 260 is connected to ground through a resistor 262. A capacitor 263 is connected .between the junction of resistors 256, 244 and ground and a capacitor 264 is connected between the junction of resistors 244, 245 and ground. The anode of tube 260 is connected to the B+ voltage terminal through series resistors 266 and 267, the junction between resistors 266, 267 being connected to ground through a capacitor 268. The anode of tube 260 also is connected to the control grid of a triode vacuum tube 269 through a capacitor 270. The control grid of tube 269 is connected to ground through `a resistor 272 and the cathode of tube 269 is connected to ground through a resistor 273. The anode of triode 269 is connected to the B+ voltage terminal through a resistor 274 and to ground through a capacitor 275.

The cathode of tube 269 is connected directly to the cathode of a triode vacuum tube 278 by a lead 277. The anode of tube 278 is connected to the B+ voltage source through series resistors 279 and 274. The anode of tube 278 also is connected through a capacitor 281 to the first end terminal of a gain regulating potentiometer 282, the second end terminal of which is grounded. The contactor of potentiometer 282 is connected to the control grid of a triode vacuum tube 283. The cathode tube 283 is connected to ground through a resistor 284. The junction between capacitor 281 and the first end terminal of potentiometer 282 is connected directly to th control grid of tube 278 through a parallel-T filter. The first path of this parallel-T filter comprises series resistors 285 and 286, the junction therebetween being grounded through a capacitor 287. The second path of this parallel-T filter comprises series capacitors 288 and 289, the junction therebetween being grounded through a resistorV 290.

The anode of tube 283, which tube forms the last stage of amplifier 185, is connected through a capacitor 295 to the control grids of triode vacuum tubes 296 and 297. The control grids of tubes 296 and 297 are connected to one another and to ground through a resistor 299 having a capacitor 300 connected in shunt therewith. The cathodes of tubes 296 and 297 are connected to one another and to ground through a common resistor 302. The anodes of tubes 296 and 297 are connected by respective leads 304 and 305 to opposite end terminals of a first secondary Winding 307 Vof transformer 213. The center tap of transformer winding 307 is connected by lead 188 to first windings 191 and 192 of motors 186 and 187, as hereinbefore described. If desired, a second pair of triode vacuum tubes 296' and 297 can be connected in parallel relationship with respective tubes 296 and 297. The control grids of tubes 296 and 297 are connected to one `another and to t-he interconnected control grids of tubes 296 and 297. The cathodes of tubes 296 and 297' are connected to the cathodes of tubes 296 and 297 in like manner. The anodes of tubes 296 and 297 similarly are connected to the respective end terminals of transformer winding 207 by leads 304 and 305'. A source of heater current for tubes 296, 297, 296', and 297' is supplied by a second secondary winding 308 of transformer 213.

A telemetering potentiometer 312, Figure 3, is provided to transmit an electrical signal to recorder 142 which is indicative of the composition of the sample stream under analysis. One end terminal of potentiometer 312 is connected to ground by a lead 313, and the second end terminal of potentiometer 312 is connected to a point of positive potential at the junction of resistors 231, 232 by a lead 314, variable resistor 315, and resistor 317. The contactor of potentiometer 312 is connected to recorder 142 by a lead 318 and also is: mechanically coupled to the output rotation of motor 187 L In order to adjust the analyzer initially, cam switch As first is moved to energize solenoid coil 60 and the coil of a relay 310 connected in parallel with solenoid coil 60. As such, standardizing fiuid from inlet conduit 57 flows through conduits 59 and 22 to sample cell 16. During this period the remaining valves 30-34 are in their normally closed position such that the sample streams l-5 entering through conduits 23-27 are vented through conduit 49. The contactor of potentiometer 183 then is set at some predetermined point such as near the middle of the scale. At this point, cam shaft 197 is turned such that contact sets S1 and S2 are closed and contact set S3 is open. Potentiometer 181 is moved manually until motor 186, which now is connected to the output of amplifier 185, drives potentiometer 183 to its mid-scale predetermined position.

The first sample stream then is passed into cell 16 of the analyzer unit by rotation of shaft 78 until the raised portion of cam 71 engages the contact arm of switch A1. If the percentage of the component of interest is different in this first sample stream than in the standardizing sample, the impedance of the elements 18, 19 will be changed with resultant unbalance of the bridge circuit. As is more fully described hereinafter, contact sets S1 and S2 are open during actual on-stream analysis and contact set S3 is closed. The unbalance voltage appearing between the arms of the potentiometers 178 and 183 is fed to amplifier 185 such that motor 187 moves potentiometer 178 to restore the bridge to a balanced con' dition. The movement of the arm of potentiometer 178 necessaryv to balance the bridge is an indication of the percentage variation of the component under testfrom' that inthefstandardizing sample; This'variation is measured by movement of the contactor of telemeteringpoten- Durings steps 1 and 2 stream No. 1 enters cell throughl `conduit 2.2;` At this time the contact arm of switch A1 is down and the contact arms of the remaining switches A2, A3, A4, A5, and As are up toprevent passage tiometer 312,. anda voltage proportional thereto is ap- 5 ofJ the respectivestreams into cell `16. Contact set S3 is plied to recorder 142 It shouldbe understood that this closed, and the remaining contact sets of switch 202, that electrical signal applied to vrecorder 142' can actuate conis contact sets S1, S2, and S3, are open which results in the trol equipment in a-manner well understood by those voltage between the arms of potentiometers 178 and 183 skilled in the art to change an appropriate process varibeing applied to the input terminals of amplifier 185. The able, thereby restoring the composition of the process output vof amplifier A185 is applied to motor'187 which sample to a desired value. drives the arms of potentiometers 178 and 312 in accord- The -standardizing fluid from inlet conduit 57 pe1iance with changes in composition of sample stream No. 1 odcal-ly is directed to cell 16, and the setting of potentiompassing through cell 16. During steps 3-10 the contact eter 183 adjusted by motor 186 to compensate for resets of switch 350 remain in the same position such that sistance lvari-ations due to temperature changes,v aging the output of the amplifier drives motor -187 to record the of the circuit components and other factors. When percentage of the component of interest in the sample standardizing fiuid is fed to cell 16 in this manner, the stream being passed through cell 16. During the steps-` input terminals of amplifier 185 are connected to the Corresponding to streams 2-5, however, contact arms of arms of potentiometers 183 and 181, and the output terrespective switches A2, A3, A4, and A5 are closed to pass minals of amplifier 185 are connected to motor 186. 20 the Corresponding sample streams through cell 16. 4 Normally the bridge should be balanced during this time At step 1lu the actual standardization Vcycle begins by because'such was the original condition for which a'balthe energization of solenoid coil 60. This results in the ance was obtained. However, should the bridge be unstandardizing fluid from inlet conduit 5? being passed into balanced for any reason, the unbalance voltage is fed samplecell 16. It should be noted that the coil of relay throughamplifier 185 with the result that motor 186 25 310also is energized to start operation yof sequence timer moves potentiometer 183 to restore the bridge to a balm0101192 by COllueCllOH 0f Voltage leed 54 t0 mOlOT 192 anced condition. Thereupon the amplifier input' terby 2l lead 351 and the SWlCb 0f reley 3'10- During Step minals are once again connected to the arms of potentioml2 contact set S4 closes to insure operation of motor `192 eters 183 and 17S and the next sample stream is admitted even after relay 3101's Cleeuefglzefl- At Step l2 the actuel to cell v16. The output of amplifier 185 is connected to 30 standardization cycle begins'by the opening of contact set motor v187 and additional determinations of the compo- S3 and the closure of contact set S4. During step 12 both sition of the' process stream are realized. It is a feature COIIaCt Sels S1 and S3 are Open fesulllug lu the Output Sig' of this invention that the standardization cycle and the Hal ffomumpllllel' 185 being fed l0 neither motor 136 1101' stepsV of switching from one sample stream to another 11101101 18T Tblsfslep allOWS Sampleeell l@ l0 be purged takes place automatically. lIn the illustrated example before the actual standardization begins. During step 13 the analyzer is adapted to analyze sequentially process ContaCt Set S2 iS CIOSCd, thereby energizing relay 389 such streams 1-5. It hasbeen found that satisfactoryI standthatthe arm of potentiometer 181 is applied to input terardization can be accomplishedl in approximately five minal i of amplifier 185 in place of the arm of potentiomeminutes of each hour Without interfering with proper tejr`178. During Vstep 9 contact set S1 is closed such that recording and analysis of the five streams under consid- 4Q the output of amplifier 185 is applied to motor 186. This eration. This leaves approximately eleven minutes for in'tur-n adjusts the position of the arm of potentiometer analysis of each of the individual streams. To carry out 183 as may beneeded to standardize the instrument. vDur- 'fthis operation, cam operated switches 56 and 192 open ingstep 15 contact set S1 again is open thereby ending the and close their respective contacts in the sequence ilactualv standardization period. During step 16 contact set lustrated by the following table: l S2 is open to connect the arm of potentiometer 178 to in- Contaot Arm Position: Contact Set Step Time Interval v Y Ar AA2 4' r. A: Ar 4 A5 Aa S1 Se Sa Si 1. Stream No. 1... 2. Stream No.`1.` 3. Stream No 4. Stream No 5. Stream No 3. 6. Stream No 3. 7.r Stream No 4. 8. StreainNo 4.- 9'; Stream No. 5..... 10. Stream No. 5.. 54.33 to 55.00 minutes 11. Standardization.. 55.00 to 55.07 minutes.' 12. Standardization.; 55.07 to 56.25 minutes. 56.26 to.56.67 minutes. 56.67 to 57.50 minutes; 57.50 to 57.92 minutes. 57.92 to 59.33 minutes... 50.33 to 59.93 minutes... 18. Standardization 59.93 to 60.00 minutes-.. ...(lo...

put terminal z'vof amplifier 185. During step 17 contact set iis' up which results in no sample streams being passedinto cell16. During step 18 contact set S3 is closed so as to once again apply the output signals from amplifier 1 4 185 to `motor 1187. The next step following 18 is a repeat of step 1. Y

Because the Acomposition of the sample streams under consideration may not vary appreciably from one another itis .desirable that .means be provided for indicating trans'i 11 tion from one sample stream to another on recorder 142. This-is accomplished by stream marking disk `122 shown in Figure 2. Each time there is a transition from one sample stream to the other a surge of current passes through disk 122, thereby energizing relay 137 which in turn applies ground potential through lead 141 to recorder 142. This temporary grounded connection shorts out the applied signal to recorder 142 thereby making a markwhich is indicative of the transition from one sample stream to another.

Amplifier 185 is particularly adapted to amplify the unbalance voltage from the bridge circuit to drive motors 186 and 187. To minimize the effects of extraneous electrical signals, grounded electrostatic shields 163 and 164 enclose the respective windings of transformer 162, grounded shields 169 and 170 enclose leads 165 and l166, and grounded shields 387 and 180 enclose respective leads 386 and 388. Transformer 240 and tubes 242, 250 are enclosed in a magnetic shield 320, and the lead connecting the anode of tube 250 to the control grid of tube 260 is enclosed in a shield 321. The filament heaters of tubes 242, 250 are supplied by direct current from leads 217 and 218.

To reduce the effects of stray capacitance and leakage resistance in the measuring circuit, a potentiometer 167, having its contactor grounded, is connected in parallel across the secondary winding of transformer 162. The resistance of the potentiometer can be of the order of 250 ohms, for example. A lead 323 is connected to the cathode of tube 269 and to one plate of a capacitor 324, the second plate of which is connected to one terminal of a rectifier 326 and also grounded through a resistor 325. The second terminal of rectifier 326 is connected by a lead 328 to one [terminal of a sensitive current meter 329, the second terminal of which is grounded. In operation, the bridge is first balanced possible by motor 187. The contactor of potentiometer 167 then is adjusted manually until meter 329 indicates minimum current fiow therethrough. This places the input terminals l1 and i of amplifier 185 at ground potential such that any capacitance between the contactor of potentiometer 1-83 and ground and between the contactor of potentiometer 178 and ground has no effect because there is no potential difference between these points and ground. Increased sensitivity is obtained in this initial measurement by amplifying the stray capacitance unbalance before indication on meter 329. triodes 242, 250, 260 and 269 of amplifier 185.

The parallel-T lter, which comprises capacitors 288,

289 and 287 and resistors 285, 286 and 290, is disposed' between the anode of tube 278 and the control grid thereof and is adapted to minimize the transmission through the amplifier of stray voltages of frequencies other than 60 cycles. Such signals do not drive the balance motors, but may saturate the following amplifier stages. tuned to 60 cycles and as such presents high impedance to 60 cycle signals and relatively low impedance fto other signals. Accordingly, at frequencies other than 60 cycles, which the amplifier would normally pass, the parallel-T network provides some transmission to apply degenerative feedback to the grid of tube 278. Representative values of the circuit components which will provide such transmission through the amplifier of only the 6`0 cycle signal are as follows: capacitors 288 and 289, each .0l microfarad; capacitor 287, .02 microfarad; resistors 285 and 286, 265,000 ohms; and resistor 290, 132,500 ohms.

The output stage of amplifier 185 comprises parallel tubes 296 and 297, the anodes of which are connected to respective end terminals of transformer winding 307. The center tap of winding 307 is grounded through coils 1921 and 192 of respective motors 204 and 205. Because the anode of one of tubes 296, 297 is positive while the other is negative, each tube conducts during alternate half cycles of applied voltage. In the absence of a signal on the control grids the output of the two tubes consists of two pulses This amplficaton is provided by' This filter is Y 12 per cycle such that if the two pulses are equal there is no 60 cycle component in the output. However, if a 60 cycle signal either in phase or 180 out of phase with the operating voltage is applied to the control grids of tubes 296 and 297, one of the output pulses is increased and the other decreased, thereby providing a 60 cycle component in the output. By providing tubes 296' and 297' in parallel with tubes 296 and 297 a safety factor is established should one of the tubes fail. Capacitors 206 and 207 in series with respective motor windings 204 and 205 shift .the current vector in relation to the current in the amplifier output windings 191 and 192, thus providing a rotating magnetic field to drive the motors.

In order to provide a simple determination of proper operation of the electrical circuit components a pair of resistors 340 and 341 are connected in parallel across element 18 through the armature 315 of a relay 316. Normally the contact through relay 316 is open such that resistors 340 and 341 are out of the circuit. One terminal of the coil of relay 316 is grounded and the other connected to voltage terminal o through a switch 317 and a lead 319. Closure of switch 317 actuates relay 316 to connect series resistors 340 and 341 in parallel with element 18, thereby establishing a deflection on recorder 142 of preselected magnitude if the circuit is operating in proper manner. Typical ohmic values of these components can be as follows: element 18, 1500 ohm; and resistors 340 and 341, l0 megohms each.

From the foregoing description it should be apparent that there is provided in accordance with this invention an analyzer unit adapted to measure sequentially the composition of a plurality of sample streams. The analyzer also is equipped to be rebalanced from a standard stream in a periodic manner. This standard stream can comprise any material having constant absorption characteristics similar to the samples under consideration. While this invention has been described in conjunction with a present preferred embodiment, it should be apparent that itis not limited thereto.

What is claimed is: l. In a system for analyzing sequentially a plurality of fluid streams, valve control and stream indicating means comprising a plurality of conduits adapted to pass the streams under consideration to an analyzer unit, a valve disposed in each of said conduits, switching means for opening said valves in a sequential manner, a rotatable member, and means for rotating said member responsive to said switching means so that the position of said member represents the particular stream being passed to the analyzer unit.

2. The system of claim 1 further comprising an an-` alyzer adapted to analyze the streams passed thereto, a recorder actuated by an output signal from said analyzer, a second rotatable member also rotated by said means which rotates said first-mentioned rotatable member, and means under control of said second rotatable member for indicating on said recorder transition from one stream to another passing into said analyzer.

3. In a system for analyzing sequentially a plurality of fiuid streams, valve control and stream indicating means comprising a plurality of conduits adapted to pass the streams under consideration to an analyzer unit, a valve disposed in each of said` conduits, switching means for opening said valves in a sequential manner, a rotatable member, a rotatable ratchet wheel coupled to said rotatable member, a solenoid operated pawl adapted to rotate said ratchet wheel, means for energizing the solenoid associated with said pawl each time one of said valves is opened so that the position of said rotatable member represents the particular stream being passed to the analyzerv unit.

4. In a system for analyzing sequentially a plurality of fluidstreams, valve control and stream indicating means streams under consideration to an analyzer unit, a solenoid operated valve disposed in each of said conduits, a plurality of switches for applying energizing current sequentially to said valves to pass the streams under consideration to an analyzer unit, a rotatable ratchet wheel, a solenoid operated pawl adapted to rotate said ratchet wheel, a rotatable disk coupled to said ratchet wheel for rotation therewith, said disk having a depression in the periphery thereof, a plurality of first electrical brushes engaging the periphery of said disk, a second brush in continuous contact with said disk, and circuit means for applying energizing current to the solenoid operating said pawl each time a different stream is passed to the analyzer unit so that the position of said disk represents the stream being passed to the analyzer unit, said circuit means including said iirst brushes, said disk, and said second brush so that a circuit path is completed between a respective one of said iirst brushes and said second brush each time a different solenoid valve is energized, the completion of said circuit paths between said brushes causing rotation of said ratchet wheel and said disk so that the depression on said disk is rotated opposite the respective first brush to break the circuit path between said respective irst brush and said second brush.

5. In a system for analyzing sequentially a plurality of uid streams, valve control and stream indicating means comprising a plurality of conduits adapted to pass the streams under consideration to an analyzer unit, a solenoid operated valve disposed in each of said conduits, a rotatable ratchet wheel, a solenoid operated pawl adapted to rotate said ratchet wheel, a relay associated with each of said valves, the coils of said relays being connected in parallel with the coils of said respective solenoid valves, a rotatable disk coupled to said ratchet Wheel for rotation therewith, said disk having a depression in the periphery thereof, a plurality of rst electrical brushes normally engaging the periphery of said disk except when said disk is rotated so that said depression is opposite one of said first brushes, a source of energizing current, circuit means connecting each of said first brushes with one terminal of said current source Ithrough the armature of a respective one of said relays, a second brush in continuous contact with said disk, said second brush being connected to the second terminal of said current source through the solenoid coil operating said pawl, and a plurality of cam operated switches adapted to energize sequentially said solenoid valves and said relays so that a circuit path is completed between said current source and the solenoid operating said pawl through one of said plurality of rst brushes, said disk, and said second brush so that said disk is rotated until said depression is opposite said first brush through which the circuit path previously was completed thereby breaking said circuit path through said disk.

alyzer unit adapted to analyze the streams passed thereto,

a recorder actuated by an electrical output signal from said analyzer, and means for indicating on said recorder transition from one stream to another comprising a rotatable second disk having a key protruding therefrom, said second disk also being rotated by said ratchet wheel, a plurality of third brushes surrounding said second disk in spaced relationship so that said key makes electrical contact with said third brushes in rotating therepast, and means for completing a circuit through said second disk each time said key makes contact with one of said third brushes so that a preselected potential is applied to said recorder indicative of transition from one stream to another.

7. Analysis apparatus comprising an analyzer adapted to provide an output electrical signal representative of the iiuid being analyzed, a plurality of conduits to convey a plurality of sample streams to be analyzed, a recorder, means applying the output signal from said analyzer to said recorder, valve means to connect said conduits selectively to said analyzer, means to actuate said valve means in sequence to direct liuids from said conduits to said analyzer in sequence, and means responsive to said means to actuate to apply a predetermined potential to said recorder each time a different uid stream is passed to said analyzer.

8. Analysis apparatus comprising an analyzer adapted to provide an output electrical signal representative of the fluid being analyzed, ,a plurality of conduits to convey a plurality of sample streams to be analyzed, a recorder, means applying the output signal from said analyzer to said recorder, valve means to connect said conduits selectivelyr to said analyzer, means to actuate said valve means in sequence to direct liuids from said conduits to said analyzer in sequence, a rotatable disk having a key protruding therefrom, a plurality of brushes surrounding said disk in spaced relationship with said disk and with one another so that said key makes contact with said brushes in sequence when said disk is rotated, means responsive to said means to actuate to rotate said key past one of said brushes each time a different fluid stream is passed to said analyzer, and circuit means completed between said disk and said brushes to apply a predetermined potential to said recorder.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,577,735 Broomell Dec. l1, 1951 2,579,825 Hutchins Dec. 23, 1951 2,833,928 Parsons May 6, 1958 

1. IN A SYSTEM FOR ANALYZING SEQUENTIALLY A PLURALITY OF FLUID STREAMS, VALVE CONTROL AND STREAM INDICATING MEANS COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF CONDUITS ADAPTED TO PASS THE STREAMS UNDER CONSIDERATION TO AN ANALYZER UNIT, A VALVE DISPOSED IN EACH OF SAID CONDUITS, SWITCHING MEANS FOR OPENING SAID VALVES IN A SEQUENTIAL MANNER, A ROTATABLE MEMBER, AND MEANS FOR ROTATING SAID MEMBER RESPONSIVE TO SAID SWITCHING MEANS SO THAT THE POSITION OF SAID MEMBER REPRESENTS THE PARTICULAR STREAM BEING PASSED TO THE ANALYZER UNIT.
 7. ANALYSIS APPARATUS COMPRISING AN ANALYZER ADAPTED TO PROVIDE AN OUTPUT ELECTRICAL SIGNAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE FLUID BEING ANALYZED, A PLURALITY OF CONDUITS TO CONVEY A 